Program Revisions: Concentrations
Concentrations in academic programs comprise a series of courses displaying a
distinct curricular pattern within the major. They are called areas of emphasis
(AOE) by the Registrar’s Office, and are also known as options, emphases,
tracks, (sub)fields or specializations.

Concentrations generally fall into two categories: those consisting of more
than 18 credit hours for undergraduate programs/12 hours for graduate programs, and those consisting of 18U/12G credit hours or less. Adding a
concentration of greater than 18U/12G credit hours is considered a “Program
Modification” in Commission on Higher Education (CHE) parlance, and requires a
full program proposal in CHE format. Program Modifications do not require a CHE
Program Planning Summary. Notification to the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools (SACSCOC) is also required, but implementation of a concentration need
not wait for SACSCOC acknowledgement. The full approval process typically
takes about one year.

Adding or revising concentrations of 18U/12G hours or less requires only
notification to CHE, and in the case of adding a concentration, also
notification to SACSCOC. The full approval process typically takes about
six months.

The approval procedures for both categories (more than 18U/12G hours, 18U/12G hours or
less) begin with completion of the Academic Program Action (APA) form.
Subsequent approvals are required at the department, campus/college/school, and
university levels, before paperwork is forwarded to CHE by the Provost’s Office.

Any concentration related to a P-12 educator preparation program requires a
letter of endorsement from the Dean of the College of Education.

CHE approvals of concentrations greater than 18U/12G hours occur three times a year. CHE acknowledgements of notifications can take up to two months.
Educator-preparation programs require additional approvals by the State
Department of Education. Concentrations may only be marketed and
assigned a code by the University Registrar after CHE approvals or
acknowledgements have been received by the Provost’s Office.

General Approval Timeframe:
For concentrations of more than 18U/12G hours, one year from
submission to Dean’s Office to admission of first students. For
concentrations of 18U/12G hours or less, six months from
submission to Dean’s Office to admission of first students.